This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
Australia's bushfires have been wreaking havoc on the country's sporting events, with the latest casualty being a women's soccer match in Newcastle.
On January 9, 2020, Football Federation Australia announced that the women's W-League match between Newcastle and Adelaide would be rescheduled for February 1 due to poor air quality and expected soaring temperatures.
However, the men's A-League match between Newcastle and Sydney, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, will go ahead, according to the governing body.
"The forecast ambient and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) for that match remain within acceptable ranges for the later kick-off and the air quality forecast is improving with the arrival of a wind change to the north east on Friday," FFA said.
"In making decisions regarding whether a fixture will proceed, the safety, welfare and comfort of our players, match officials and fans remain our ongoing focus with regard to air quality issues as a result of these bushfires," the statement added.
Since the bushfires began, sports organizations in Australia have been closely monitoring the weather conditions, with Cricket Australia constantly monitoring air quality during the final two tests of their series with New Zealand.
Tennis Australia (TA) also moved a lower-level tournament from Canberra and has pledged to halt matches at the Australian Open in Melbourne if air quality deteriorates.
Several sports organizations and athletes have launched fundraising campaigns for victims and relief efforts, with former Australian cricketer Shane Warne auctioning off his 'baggy green' cap and tennis players pledging to donate money for every ace they serve while in Australia.
Exhibition matches featuring all-time greats Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, and Serena Williams are also planned to raise funds for the affected areas.
